Taking care of your dog’s dental health is just as important as regular exercise, having a good healthy diet, and making sure your dog has a regular check-up at the vets. In fact, caring for your dog’s oral health is just as important as caring for your own teeth and gums.
Many dog owners ask if flossing their dog’s teeth is really necessary to care for their dental health. In this post, we will look at ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean and what are easy flossing options for your pet dog’s teeth.
How to Care for Dog’s Dental Health
The point of cleaning your dog’s teeth is exactly the same as it is for us humans – to get rid of plaque-causing bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
There are many types of great doggy toothpaste that comes in meaty flavors instead of minty flavors. Toothpaste for dogs can be applied with a specially designed doggy toothbrush or with your finger. This may take some time for your dog to get used to poking around in his mouth, but in time he should get used to it. Especially if you can find a toothpaste that your pet loves the taste of.
How to Floss your Pet Dog’s Teeth
When it comes to flossing your dog’s teeth, think in terms of giving your dog something to chew on. There are some excellent chew toys that you can buy that clean in between your pet’s teeth as he chews.
There also other treats for your pet dog to chew on that help to remove plaque and rid the mouth of bacteria. For example, kibbles help to remove tartar and prevent gum disease. Just remember, to watch the calories when giving your dog treats.
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry reported that a daily dental chew can help to significantly reduce the number of bacteria in dogs’ mouth and also improve breath odor.
Of course, a yearly checkup at your local vet’s clinic should include a dental exam.